Tainted grappler says he is innocent, will present case before WFI

Pune, June 20 (UNI) Maharashtra grappler Amol Buchade, one among the eight dope offenders listed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has pleaded innocence and will present his case before the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Four months after the February 2007 Guwahati National Games, the IOA has named eight offenders and sent their names to respective sports federations for imposing the appropriate sanctions.

When contacted by UNI, 24-year-old Amol said, ''I am not a cheat and have never indulged in any form of drug abuse. I was down with typhoid prior to the commencement of the National Games and was taking medicines as prescribed by my doctor.'' The WFI has given the wrestler a chance to defend himself. Amol said he will consult and seek advise of seniors before presenting his case. However, the WFI top brass are presently away in Canada for the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship and Amol said he will go to Delhi and plead his case after their return.

Amol was asked to leave the selection trial camp held at Himachal Pradesh in preparation for the Canada tourney when the IOA announced the list of offenders. Amol, therefore, had to miss the trip to Canada which he considers as a ''big disappointment of his career''.

Maharashtra State Wrestling Association (MSWA) Secretary General Prof Balasaheb Landge, meanwhile, has said he has not yet received any letter from the WFI or IOA regarding Amol. ''I am not aware of what type of banned substance the grappler has been accused of taking and, so, have no comment to offer at this stage,'' while adding that Amol had been in good physical condition before the National Games.

Amol was the silver medal winner in the 94 kg weight group in Guwahati and had later won the ''Maharashtra Kesari'' title in the state championship at Baramati. Earlier, he had represented the country in the Asian junior wrestling championship held in Iran in 2002.

UNI